How Kids Learn Better By Taking Frequent Breaks Throughout The Day

According to research and the media, Finland is now synonymous with contemporary education. This ARTICLE explores the idea that most elementary schools there use a very structured system of breaks for learners. "In Finland (students) normally take a fifteen-minute break for every forty-five minutes of instruction. After these shorter recesses, students appeared to be more focused in the classroom."

In looking at the application of this theory to our secondary classrooms, brain research supports "giving the brain time to rest, through regular breaks, lead(ing) to greater productivity and creativity." The research suggests that students need this break after every 12-15 minutes of instruction. 

This can come in the form of "get up, move, find a partner, talk" OR "listen to this song" or "watch this short video clip" OR "talk to your neighbor for 1 minute about this question" OR "stand up, stretch, close your eyes, etc."

"What’s important is that you watch your students carefully," to gauge when students are "drifting" and provide the "Brain Break" as appropriate.